Rest In Peace Paul Newman

Hey guys. Quint here with some bad, if not unsurprising news. We got alerted earlier this morning that word of Paul Newman’s death was spreading across Westport after many months of reports of his battle with cancer.

But I have no connections to anybody around Newman and didn’t want to post an obit with the only word being unconfirmed message board posts. And I also didn’t want it to be true.
If you’ve been following my regular column, A Movie A Day, you’ll have seen me diving into a whole lot of Paul Newman movies over the last 3-4 months. I’ve appreciated him as a performer before, but over the last few months I’ve really been impressed with him as a performer.
HARPER, in fact, started the column and has become one of my favorites of the nearly 120 movies we’ve covered there so far. He marked a change in what Hollywood would need in leading men. He was tough, but had a sense of humor and a comic timing not seen in a Hollywood star since maybe Errol Flynn.
His work in the ‘50s and ‘60s gave us some of the best stuff in his career. COOL HAND LUKE, THE HUSTLER, THE YOUNG PHILADELPHIANS and BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID among my favorites.

Newman’s piercing blue eyes and assured confidence gave us, the viewing audience, not only one of the best leading men of his era, but of the history of cinema. He could inject energy and charisma into the darkest drama or mystery without breaking the overall tone. He was, in short, someone the audience wanted to see in a story, someone who could entertain.
And he didn’t just fade away, either. He embraced his age and let that influence his stories. Watch THE STING and see how he shaped a different kind of performance from his ‘60s work while still playing to his strengths. Same with SLAP-SHOT, one of the best films to utilize his comic talents.
Of his later works, the two stand-outs to me are THE HUDSUCKER PROXY and ROAD TO PERDITION. I haven’t seen either in a while… I just might throw them on a little later as a tribute to the man.
Outside of his film work, he will also be remembered for his generosity, running a diverse company Newman’s Own which produces everything from popcorn (delicious, by the way… one of the best microwavable popcorns on the market) to spaghetti sauce to wine to salad dressing which gives 100% of its profits to charity.
In a bit of weird connecting tissue trivia, Paul Newman turned down the role of Quint in Jaws. How crazy would that have been? THE STING-era Newman instead of THE STING-era Robert Shaw as the great shark hunter?
There’s no other way to say it except another giant of cinema has left us. Newman’s work will be studied by aspiring actors for generations to come, his influence will be felt as long as film as an art form exists. My thoughts are with Mr. Newman’s friends, family and fans.

I love spaghetti sauce and hot pretzels. A great charity work. Paul Newman will always be remembered as an unusually humble actor who gave a simple advice, "stay away from Hollywood" when it comes to residence living a glamorous lifestyle. He was iconic in COOL HAND LUKE like James Dean was an icon in REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE.

Totally understood the appeal he held for just about every woman out there. Just an all-around great guy and fantastic actor. BUTCH CASSIDY & THE SUNDANCE KID is one of my all-time favorites. If there was any doubt, 2008 is officially the Worst Year Ever for celebrity deaths. Watch his image bring down the house at next year's Oscar memorium...

Bad movie. BAAAAAAD movie! But he was great! Pretty much the only good thing that I remember about that awful movie.<br>
Another Newman movie that I saw in a sneak preview, but enjoyed much more, was Where The Money Is.A pretty overlooked, nice little movie with him.<br>
But I guess my favourite movie with him was The Hudsucker Proxy.

I'm a guy who's a little older so this kind of thig really hits home. All the great actors of our time that have been around for so long are really starting to leave us now. Paul Newman was in a class by himself. When you watched him as others have said he just seem to give off this aura of cofidence. I really enjoyed watching his style. The mold was broke and there are no others like him. R.I.P.

You know I didn't get the whole Paul Newman thing at first. I had seen of few of his movies on TV and thought he was a good-looking guy and a good actor but I didn't get why everyone thought he was so awesome. Then one day I was channel surfing and I stopped on this movie with Richard Beymer called 'Adventures of a Young Man'. I'm watching it thinking 'who is this guy playing the boxer?' I thought it was a great performance but didn't know who it was. Then at the end the credits said Paul Newman. I couldn't believe it. I would have never known it was him. Suffice it to say, I got it from then on. Other favorites of mine include 'The Outrage' and 'Nobody's Fool'. Add to that his charitable endeavors (I'm a huge fan of the coffee) and our planet just lost a huge shining light. My thoughts got out to his family especially his wife Joanne. They've always been the example of a great Hollywood marriage and so I'm especially thinking of her right now.

Luckily I'm sick so I can stay in all day and watch some of his films. I'm thinking The Hustler, The Verdict, and The Sting maybe. Wow. I always knew this day would come, but I was not prepared. One of my favorites. I'll miss seeing him.

And left behind an incredible body of work. Nothing in the world wrong with checking out after 83 years of well-lived life. He was one of the greats, and I believe I'm going to rent The Color of Money today in tribute to him. Cheers, Mr. Newman.

Even with all the classic films Newman's done, the only films of his that I've seen are TOWERING INFERNO, that volcano movie that ripped it off and CARS. I'm sure that Turner Classic Movies will allow me to catch up.
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Farewell.

Road To Perdition isn't just one of the greatest films ever made (in my opinion), it also featured Mr. Paul Newman in his very final movie screen-starring role. And boy oh boy, what a magnificent powerhouse performance he gave in that ... Newman was easily my favourite American actor from his generation, I've simply never seen the man giving a bad performance in any movie he featured in. R.I.P Mr. Newman.

I think Newman was an influence on Depp, insofar as deliberately going against type and searching out roles that you wouldn't expect to interest him.....and he was also a guy who knew that there were much bigger things in this world than fame or Hollywood Success - and for god's sake, the guy stayed married to the same woman for over 50 years, instead of the industry standard of 50 minutes....If there's anybody that deserves the phrase "They Don't Make 'Em Like That Anymore", it was Paul Newman.

...yes, I know, I never met the man, so shut up. God bless you Paul, rest in peace, thank you for a wonderful body of work but mostly thanks for your humanitarian efforts. You've made the lives of those who never had much better - and that's a legacy, brother.

I think you have a point that Newman wouldn't have argued with. He was on record many times as downplaying his own acting abilities. He was a movie star who was completely comfortable in his own skin, which frankly is rare on screen. Not many great actors can just 'be'. Throw Branagh or Olivier in Cool Hand Luke and the movie more than likely blows. Newman wasn't Brando, but Brando wasn't Newman. And I'm glad he wasn't.

I have had the privilege to witness his generosity and mischievous spirit first hand several times over the last few years. He and his wife were a true inspiration. As the executive director of Hole in the Wall Gang Camp wrote this morning: "In honor of our Founder, do something that celebrates and carries on his dreams. Be compassionate to those who suffer, be generous to those in need, bring playfulness and more than a little mischief to the world around you. Do something…and may his spirit continue to shine."

It's always sad when someone as terrific As Paul Newman passes away. He's gone but he'll never be forgotten. My heartfelt condolences go out to his friends, family and fans. Gotta go now...I'm gonna watch THE STING, but this time I'm afraid it'll be with tears in my eyes.

Before trying to be funny, or take potshots at Paul Newman, or his career choices, how about a little respect instead. Whether you liked him or his movies this is a sad day for a lot of people, including Mr Newman's family and friends, who perhaps may be reading these posts. R.I.P Paul Newman, you were one of the last of the Hollywood Giants.
Cool Hand Luke indeed..............
" Dyin'? Boy, he can have this little life any time he wants to. Do ya hear that? Are ya hearin' it? Come on. You're welcome to it, ol' timer. Let me know you're up there. Come on. Love me, hate me, kill me, anything. Just let me know it."

He was, is and shall always be a great actor and one whom the current rash of smarmy spoiled little sh!ts should buy all his past films sit down and watch them and learn how to bloody act. We miss you Mr. Newman, you wont be replaced easily. What a sh!t day.

One of my passions is auto racing, specifically F1. In 2002 The Miami Grand Prix ran through dowton Miami, and Newman's team won one of the races. I got to see the guy in person, and he was as genuine and affable as anyone has ever said. I was both thrilled nd immensely saddend when I heard late August, that a track had been shut down for a day so that Newman could hustle a Corvette around the track for one last ride, since it was expected that he would pass before the end of September. Although I knew it was coming, it's heartbreaking nontheless. It's the loss of one of our premier entertainers, but moreso a loss of a really great and charitable human being. RIP sir...hope they have eggs and a nice pool table wherever you are.

Wow. So long to a legend & gentleman who, with great class & character, showed generations of young guys like me how to be real men. If there's a heaven, right now he's probably racing McQueen around it's perimeter.

What a loss, he was just a great man. I think his performance as Frank Galvin in The Verdict was definitely Oscar worthy, more so than The Color of Money (which was good, but not as great as The Verdict). Too bad he's gone, would have loved to have seen him team with Redford again one last time.

This guy was a class act without the hollywood bullshit trappings.A man who was humble as noble. (from attending MLk's funeral to newman's own.)America needs more people like Paul, instead we're stuck with bush,Palin and granpa munster himself.<p>R.I.P. Sundance Kid.

He had a good run, and he did some truly great things, both personally and professionally. There will never, never be anyone else like him: incredibly beautiful and an incredible, astute, fearless actor. I hope he didn't suffer. I'm glad he made all those movies, because I can look at him whenever I want. I hope is family is OK. Jesus.

As we sift through the Wall Street meltdown brought on by out of control greed, it's kind of astonishing to see a guy like Paul Newman who gave away $175 million to charity. They world needs a lot more men and women like him: people who are dedicated to their work and their art while being incredibly generous.

Found this quote on IMDB that sums up to me why he was such a class actor:
"Every time I get a script it's a matter of trying to know what I could do with it. I see colors, imagery. It has to have a smell. It's like falling in love. You can't give a reason why."
And that sir, is why you're going to be missed by me and millions of people all over the world.
Godspeed.

Damn...I had a feeling we would be hearing this news before too long. I don't idolize a lot of people. However, Paul Newman was someone that I had the utmost respect for; a genuine class act and one hell of an actor. I'm really saddened by his passing...and I miss him already.<P>RIP Paul Newman.<P>"Yeah well, sometimes nothing is a real cool hand."

I remember in the 80's it was so sad that a huge wave of legendary actors were passing left and right...cary grant, lucille ball, fred astaire, bill holden etc... Now it seems as though many of the guys from the 60's are starting to go...

My heart goes out to Paul's family and friends. He is a giant in the landscape of cinema and will be deeply missed. Alongside Steve McQueen, I think Paul Newman was one of the coolest, classiest guys ever to walk this earth. Or at least, ever to be photographed on it. He was truly someone special, someone that will be remembered with love and respect for the rest of time.

...will ever be as cool and classy as Paul Newman, ever. His portrayal of Lucas Jackson (CHL) is one of the finest performances in the history of Hollywood. We have lost a titan of the industry and we will never have anyone to fill his shoes because it's IMPOSSIBLE.

where my daughters were born. Spent a llllllotta time there, ate their stuff, and read the bio they had on the walls about what he'd done. I was always a fan, but at that time, that really strengthened it.
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Like many others, I'd just got Cool Hand Luke on HD. Don't usually do that sorta thing, but I might give it a spin.
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The only celebs passing that have actually made me sad are people that realised what that was and arguably used it to contribute more in other ways. The only one that really made me upset was Jim Henson. Paul Newman was one of those good ones. R.I.P. mate.

Newman was a legend in acting, auto racing, charity and humility. While I am sad to hear of his death- no more smiles, or a wink of an eye on the screen. I mourn most for the loss of a great human being.
RIP Paul.

The NY Times obituary lead sentence called him "one of the last great movie stars of the 20th Century" which considering how many iconic roles he played, could be a bit of an understatement. So who's left - Kirk Douglas, Sidney Poitier, Bacall...the list runs dry when considering the titans of the late 40s, 50s and 60s

Brando, Dean, Newman. The practically invented acting as we know it today and the entirety of art is better for it. God I'm devastated. I suppose I shouldnt feel bad for a man with such a brilliant life. I'm sure he himself would be the last one to mourn. he's truly to be celebrated.

As a man or an actor. He may literally be singular in that category. It's amazing that for a career that went right up until the moment he passed that he remained a brilliant actor who starred in projects of true integrity. Watch Road to Perdition and you can see a performance more intense on the inside than it is on the outside, it's frightening how good he was and proof that they don't make them like they used to and the business has become a lesser place. but Newman was absolutely uncorruptable. Brilliant.

Taking my dad when he was 63 to go see The Color of Money. He was pretty sick, but he wanted to see the new Paul Newman movie. He was a big fan of the Hustler. He had grown up in pool halls in his youth and loved to tell stories about the guys he knew and played with. Anyway, watching that movie, I was mesmerized by Newman. I mean it was great movie in general; top-notch acting and directing. But man, Newman, he was in different league. I can honestly say that I will miss his presence in future endeavors. But I thank him for his wonderful film legacy he leaves behind.

... especially because he was such a class act. You look at so many great actors who have sold their cinematic soul for a buck (I'm talking to you, Burt Reynolds), and here was a guy who simply refused. He was passionate about what he did, and he would not compromise to earn an extra buck. And how much money would he have hauled in had he chose to take profits from Newman's Own? Like others above have said, I always will by his products because they're great stuff, and because what he's done with the business is extraordinary.
May God bless him. He truly, truly was a great one.

I don't think I've ever actually cried over the death of an actor before, but Paul Newman was just one of a kind. Not just his performances, but his rare true Hollywood romance with Woodward, and his charity work...they just don't make 'em like that anymore. I feel like we just lost a major chapter of cinema history. RIP Paul.

The community of Westport, CT is going to feel this deep loss. Private, which is what New Englad likes of his celebrities. Civic minded liberal who involved himself unobtrusively in politics, and a supporter of the art community. Newman's Own line of products has contributed so much to so many over the years. IF you want to see a master work a great, small character study catch "Nobody's Fool." We lost a great one.

It's very sad to hear of the passing of Paul Newman. Paul was the epitome of coolness. Years ago you would have said that Tom Cruise would be taking his place...but he is not replaceable.
Godspeed, Paul Newman

I can truthfully say that I have never wept over the death of any: actor, musician, celebrity, philanthropist, humanitarian, ever in my life, other than John Lennon, until today.
I'm not even sure why this hit me so hard. It feels more like loosing a friend than loosing an icon.
God speed Mr. Newman, and may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.

Literally fell down on my chair when I heard the news. One of the best actors ever. I still have'nt seen some of his earlier movies. I've been meaning to watch Cool Hand Luke, The Sting, and The Hustler, but I never got around to it. I mostly know him from Hudsucker Proxy, Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, Slapshot, Color of Money, Cars, and the great Road to Perdition. Just an all around good guy. R.I.P.

if Paul Newman was one thing, he was and always will be a film star. he'll shine on, on our silver screens, that's for sure.<p>may you find happiness and peace wherever you may be now, Mr Newman. thank you for a lifetime's fine work.

Thanks to whomever is deleting the 3 or 4 jerks (so far) who feel the need to try out their open mic night crap in an obit talkback. <p>
Paul Newman was one of the greats, on the silver screen and in his philanthropical endeavors. If you don't know who he is, borrow Mom's car, go to Blockbuster, and educate yourselves. <p>
He will (continue to) be sorely missed.

...two of his best performances since 1990. The first is getting a lot of love here and deservedly so as it gives a full range of emotions and shows why he was a star. The second, a Merchant/Ivory film done with his wife Joanne Woodward is a minimalist performance... doing little (because the character is so unemotional) but letting you see that there is a caring human inside just with the smallest of facial movements. My favorite earlier ones are The Verdict, Cool Hand Luke, The Hustler, and Hud. Though I like Road To Perdition, his is a supporting role and Tom Hanks being miscast in it ruined the movie for me.

Your great works in acting touched many, but your greatest work was not as an actor, it was as an humanitarian. "Newman's Own" product brands, has changed the lives of numerous people through the various charities it supports, and will continue to support. Unlike most, Mr. Newman realized that fame should not be wallowed in, like some pig in mud, or used to celebrate oneself, no, when one touches it, fame, and makes their mark (How much Money, and how many Mansions do you need after that???), they should be gracious enough to take a bow, and walk away...and use the power of their celebrity to help others in need...instead of staying in the limelight for the simple masturbatory exercise of being a fame whore. Mr. Newman shunned the latter, much like his contemporary Robert Redford, which speaks volumes about both men and their personal, and collective, integrity.<BR><BR>It is this selflessness, and the ability to realize that he is just a man...that made him, Paul Newman, something extraordinary in life, and a true legend. Mr. Newman, I admire you for being a loyal Husband and a Father. A loving human being, one of good character and example, who gave nothing but respect to others who have been forgotten by the likes on Wallstreet, that's Newman's Own legacy, one that will never be forgotten!!! Have A Peaceful Journey, Paul Newman, you never forgot about the rest of us, and we love you for it--and we will never forget you!!! God Bless, and Amen!!!!

Sure, sure. One of my all time favorite movies. And one of the Coen's most underrated films. I try to watch it every way around New Year's Eve, the way some people watch It's A Wonderful Life around Christmas. Looks like I'll be watching it a little early this year.

Gregory Peck, Charlton Heston (yeah, even despite his right wing beliefs), Marlon Brando, Paul Newman... to me they were the Hollywood giants. Of that generation only Jack Nicholson (71) and Robert Redford (72) are left. It's a sad day indeed...

"While were sitting here digging and dying he's living and flying" Cool Hand Luke is one of my favorite movies and he was one of the best actors to ever walk this earth. I can only imagine what he was thinking about during his last few days/hours of cognitive thought..was he looking back on it all and feeling like a lucky son of a bitch or was he looking to the great beyond wondering what was next. I know I say every day I wish I could go back and do it all over again..if he could go back he probably wouldn't change a thing. RIP Paul Newman , a man amongst men.

In the midst of my grief, it totally slipped my mind that I too once met Mr. Newman, on a TWA flight from Chicago to LA in 1978! Starstruck doesn't begin to describe it. He was in the last row of first class and I was in the first row of coach. I was an 18 year old punk and the man shook my hand with genuine warmth and asked what was taking me to LA. And you are correct, that "cool smile" put all his starstruck fellow passengers at ease. A class act all the way down the line.

I haven't seen enough of his movies, but I will still miss him. Here is a story from my parents about a female friend of theirs who stood behind Paul Newman back in the '70s in an ice cream parlor. The woman adored him and yet tried to play it cool the whole time in line but apparently Newman's presence got the better of her. After paying, she got a little flustered, stuttering out "But where's my ice cream cone?" Newman turned around with a smile and said "Ma'am, I think you put it in your purse."
No idea if that story is true but I hope it is.

Nobody's Fool this weekend.<p>
Or maybe Absence of Malice, or The Verdict.<p>
And also Slap Shot. That has the bonus of having the Hanson bros in it.<p>
Actually I'll prolly rent any Paul Newman movie that I'm lucky enough to find on the shelves for the next week or more.

How is it a terrible loss to us though? He hasn't acted in years. A great actor. Who starred in some amazing films. He lived a full life. A terrible loss was Heath Ledger, who died in his prime. Newman's life and career should be celebrated. It's not terrible. Thank God he could die in peace.

since the first news report, but I'm just blank on this one. Newman was a classy actor. Hud, Coolhand Luke, The Hustler, The Color of Money, Twilight, BCatSK, Road to Perdition... The man was a great, as an actor and a human being. Cinema literally less classy now that he's gone. Gonna miss him.

It can't be said enough, he belonged to a whole different generation of actors.
Maybe a whole different world.
And screw the haters, The Color Of Money is a great film, and he was great in it. The Verdict as well.

Aside from being one of the greatest actors ever, he was a man with a good heart who helped so many people. It's sad that this world is run by money-grubbing, back-stabbing, lying career politicians. Not all of them put together have done as much good for this world as Paul Newman did. He was a shining example of what one man can do to make this world a better place. May God bless him and his family, and may Newman's Own have continued success in carrying on his mission of spirit.

I had heard rumours that he was sick with cancer about 6 months ago. What a shame. I have great respect for all of the philanthropy he did for kids in need and he was a talented actor to boot. Funny, a friend just emailed me a high res jpg of Newman & Redford from Butch Cassidy for my desktop last night... then I hit NYT.com this morning and I find out he passed. Weird.

in a world where ceo's walk away from failed companies with millions from a golden umbrella, newman created a company whose sole purpose was to assist others...he not only gave away millions, he created camps for children with terminal illnesses...it is a great loss to the world when a man of his compassion and caring leaves us...he didnt just talk the talk, he walked the walk...and it is a loss to everyone

I'm sure you all have your own favorite Paul Newman memories. My recollections will be with my Dad, at the Studio 28 watching Cool Hand Luke and Butch Cassidy for the first time... and the Eastown Theatre watching Hombre... and the Vista Drive-In catching Harper... and in our living room catching Absence of Malice and the Verdict on HBO...

That will all still go on without him. I don't think I explained myself well. I meant that that man set out to do everything he wanted to do. He acomplished all his goals. It would have been a terrible loss if he had died while doing all this. I'm just saying the man's life and legacy should be celebrated. When I think of terrible loss. I think of a car accident or dying young.

of professionalism and passion. And just plain ol' cool. I remember being on a bus to Atlantic City and having to watch "Fort Apache The Bronx." I had heard about it for years and never saw it. Turned out to be a damn good movie. Everyone remembers the well known stuff but that one kind of slipped through the cracks. So many young actors should take a lesson from him. On screen and off that's how you do it. One of a kind all the way.

The guy was truly a product of a classier era in Hollywood. Times like these give a fan pause and I can't help but look at the crop of actors that are so highly regarded in Hollywood today and notice that they fall far short of Newman's greatness. 83 years is a damn fine run. Thanks for being as great offscreen as you were on Mr. Newman.

watching "The Verdict", "The Hustler" and "Road to Perdition"...my favorite Newman movies. BUt there about a half dozen others that could easily make that list too. A brilliant actor and an example of what a movie star should be. Humble, generous and talented. He will be missed and never replaced.

Really...he was so cool in that movie there oughta be a law. Even his later stuff was great. Nobody's Fool had that great poster of just Newman in a ballcap and devilish grin with that tagline: Worn to Perfection. Couldnt have said it better myself. Him saying Richard Russo and Robert Benton's words was heaven. I could watch the Verdict all day. A fucking Icon.

didn't want to see it happen. I also just discovered Paul Newman because over the past year I've been checking out movies on the top IMDB 250 list. Newman has quite a few on there. I've decided that if I could choose to look like anyone it would be Paul Newman from the Hustler. Mighty good lookin' man.

Not seen much of his work, but always admired what I'd seen. I've got a bunch of his films to watch, which I shall spend tomorrow doing.
Can't say much more than has been said already. It seems he was a great screen presence and a great person all around - a near oxymoron in Hollywood.
I shall toast a shot or two to Newman tomorrow, for sure.

Newman was brilliant. I watched that Newman WB boxed set a few months back, and even thought the films were of variable quality, Newman himself was always watchable. A class act and a wonderful actor, he will be sorely missed.

Went out and bought Cool Hand Luke today and popped it in immediately upon getting home. When Luke broke into the "Plastic Jesus" diddy on his banjo after the death of his mom, I broke into tears. I don't think I've ever wept over the death of a celebrity but this legitimately feels like I've lost a family member. There aren't enough accolades we can lavish upon Newman for his accomplishments as an actor and a philanthropist. A talent like his you will never see again.

... and the world just got a bit shittier without this pure genius. Apart from the obvious great performances, I'd recall his "duel" with Steve MacQueen in "The Towering Inferno"... their final scene together is pure, unforgettable, classic.

i work for a corporate car service based out of ozone park queens nyc, paul newman and his wife have an account with our company and used it quite often...there was one new years eve when paul was in one of our cars right before or just after midnight, we were still on radio dispatch back then and paul came over the radio and wished everyone in the office "a kickass new years" ...that memory has stuck with me ever since then, that had to be at least almost a decade ago......rest in peace PAUL, we will all miss u

lost my dad when I was rather young and didn't have too many of his pics. The few I had, he looked exactly like Paul Newman in younger days. Since then, watching Paul Newman on screen was like watching dad. Somehow I feel I lost someone really close... as if last connecting thread to dad has been finally snapped.
<p>Might sound pretty corny or childish, but is true...

Honestly, I can't think of an actor that literally defined class more than Paul Newman. What an amazing and talented individual. I'm gonna be dedicating my next free night to watching a Paul Newman double feature. I think "Slapshot" and "Cool Hand Luke" will do nicely. Then I'll hafta revisit most of his catalogue for the rest of the week. Friggin' A. Alot of actors die, but this is the first one in awhile that I've honestly felt that cramping feeling in my chest over. RIP Mr. Newman. You are a titan of cinema, and a true legend.

I believe it was back when Guy Hamilton was still directing (before Donner took over). Also, Redford was mentioned, too. I always thought Newman would have made a really good (if older) Superman. He was always able to show that kind of sly humor even in the face of impending doom.

The most important thing he did his entire life was being saved by the Lord Jesus Christ. That led him to create the charity which has become his greatest life achievement. Make no mistake about it, Paul Newman stayed out of Hollywood culture simply because of its anti-Christian nature. He was a deeply devout and religious man, one that everyone should aspire to be. May he rest in peace up in heaven where he is definately at...

because my head is usually full of conflicting thoughts about the person's work, life or legacy. But in Newman's case, there is simply no downside. The guy led as close to a perfect life as it's possible to live. Master of his craft, accomplished racer, combat veteran, married to the same woman for fifty years, who spent his time off camera raising a quarter-billion dollars for charity. Heck, he even made great lemonade. The fact that he was rewarded with what appears to have been a long and rich life is a suitable coda to such an exemplary man.

Surprised he didn't do more in the 80s and 90s. I swear, I remember him doing more.
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But then, I'm looking at the dates of the movies: The Color of Money was in 1986? Has it really be that long? Blaze was in 1989? Wowsers.
He had a long career, did some great movies, and was a great guy. RIP, Cool Hand Luke.

Paul Newman was so much more than a movie actor. He was a man that defined film. From early on I remember seeing him in films like Cool Hand Luke, The Hustler, The Sting, and Butch Cassidy. My dad and Grandpa were huge fans or his and they pushed it on to me. His contributions to those films and his Non-Profit "Newmans Own" are enough for me to remember him. But it wasn't until watching Hud when I was 20 years old that I realized how amazing he really was. There have been a lot of deaths in films lately but none have affected me as personally. I will miss seeing him and hearing his voice. I look forward to going back and watching his films again. A true loss to the world.

(WTOP= the only terrestrial radio station still on my dial...24 News/Traffic for DC)
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"You probably have a jar of his marinara or salad dressing at home in your fridge"
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And sure enough when we got home I opened up the icebox and there they were...Red Wine Marinara & Honey Mustard. My wife (the not-so-into-movies type, alas) said "That's the guy who died?!?" Bless her.
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And Bless Paul. $250 million to charity, all from the grocery store. You don't see that kind of generosity every day. And his Hole In The Wall camp for termianl kids...damn. He's the man. I'll bet he & Steve McQueen are having quite the time right now.

A troubling, restless actor who overcame a superficial beauty to hint at something repulsive and hopeless; which contradiction is the essence of the true star. Watch The Verdict and learn. Cary Grant had 'it' and so did Newman. Chilly, technical and remote, Newman exuded a somehow manufactured charm that marked him out as something more complicated that a mere good guy. There was in his blue eyes something freezing and daunting. A great stage actor and a natural man for O Neill (watch his bring both of his fists down on Danial Craig in Road to Perdition: "I curse you! I curse the day you were born!") In his private life, liberal, honest and faithful. There is at least one chunk of information essential to film fans that is NOT on the net. David Thompson's Biographical Dictionary of Film. I direct anyone to read his entry on Paul Newman; typically troubling, incisive and beautifully written.

"I'm a supporter of gay rights. And not a closet supporter either. From the time I was a kid, I have never been able to understand attacks upon the gay community. There are so many qualities that make up a human being... by the time I get through with all the things that I really admire about people, what they do with their private parts is probably so low on the list that it is irrelevant."
So lets moderate that Jesus prop with his absolutely spotless and activist liberalism.

He hated his first film, THE SILVER CHALICE, so much that when it first came on TV, he took out ads in TV Guide begging people not to see it; he had Silver Chalice parties where people banged on pots and pans every time a bad scene came on the screen, which was often.
Fortunately, for all of us, almost all of his subsequent films were either classics or close to it.

Notice that he really got heavily into the charity work and did his toughest roles after Scott, a child from his first marriage, overdosed. I've frequently wondered how tough his role was in Road To Perdition - the devoted father for a very flawed, troubled son.

Consider your motion duly seconded. The guy was everything Hollywood royalty should be - talented, devastatingly good looking and big of heart too. He simply puts the snot-faced punks, model/actors and today's multiplex fillers into the shade. RIP. That is all.

about the great Abe Vigoda laughing at us all. Or did I just skim 300 plus posts and miss it. I'm not trying to steal his thunder. It's his catchphrase, but he hasn't pounced. He must be having computer problems or something. This is sad news indeed, and he was a great actor, and a generous man.

is one of the greatest movies of all time. In the first episode of Cheers the guys are having a "debate" of the sweatiest movie of all time. Diane's fiance (who dumps her by the end of the episode) comes in mid-argument and simply says "Cool Hand Luke," to the cheers of the rest of the bar.

Hell, I didn't realize that people were missing the great Abe Vigoda!! But seriously, Paul Newman was one of those rare actors that used his celebrity in a good way. My condolences to Gena and the rest of the family. R.I.P. Mr. Newman....you deserve it.

My dad was a US Navy Pilot at the beginning of Vietnam when Hollywood celebrities would sometimes tour the ships. Paul Newman and Shirley MacLaine visited the aircraft carrier USS Bonne Homme Richard. They left diametrically opposed impressions on the pilots. While Shirley was aloof, the pilots accepted Paul as one of their own (he flew tail gunner in the Avenger torpedo bomber at the end of WWII). He knew the lingo, knew how to hold his elbow (whatever that meant), and had genuine appreciation for the ships and their crew. Many years later, my dad was in an airport VIP lounge when Paul Newman and his "crowd" sat nearby. My dad piped up, "Mr. Newman, I believe you owe me a drink." The "crowd" shuffled a little uneasily and murmured, but Mr. Newman showed some interest and amusement. "Do you remember the USO maneuvers in 1965?" my dad asked. "Yes," he replied with an acknowledging "of course" air. "And do you remember the pilot that gave you a flight jacket in the Officer's Club of the Bonny Dick?" my dad continued. "Yes," was the reply with a nod. "Well, I am that pilot." With a broad grin, Paul Newman bought my dad a drink.
How about that. After 25 years, a morale trip to Vietnam was so important to Paul Newman that he had no problem remembering it's details.

Seriously - no disrespect, but you guys had tributes left right and centre for Stan Winston, so why nothing for Newman?
Do I have to rely on crappy snippets from IMDB for my star tributes to one of the greatest of all time?

... I'm on the road, and barely at the computer. I'm back in LA verrrrrry soon, and I'm absolutely working on a fitting goodbye to one of the greatest icons of cool. This is, after all, Ain't It Cool, and, yes... Paul Newman sure as fuck was. And always will be.

while both he and Woodward were married to each other for something like over 50 years, which is a great achievement by any standard, let alone Hollywood, what everyone fails to mention is that Newman and Woodward were both married to other people, then got divorced so they could marry each other. I'm not saying he wasn't a great actor, a great man, but when everyone points to their marriage as a shining example they just need to have all the information.

Not an issue really, surely. Just goes to show how much they must have been in love from the start IMHO. Plus, his daughters from both marriages seem to get along just fine by all accounts so, he must have handled the issue well. Anyway, who are we to judge? That is all.

He seemed to be a true gentleman, a rascal, and a real guy's guy. I know he was terribly ill. My father passed away from cancer and I know what an awful, wasting disease it is. So rest in peace, Mr. Newman. You will be missed.

that people ignore the facts. They say look at the Hollywood star who was married 50 plus years. And they are correct, and that is a great achievement. I'm just nitpicky when it comes to having all the information, and people speaking without having all the facts. He was a great actor and humanitarian, but nobody is perfect. We all have our faults, I do, and so do you. I just hate to see marriages fall apart. Check this out. I knew a guy who was a justice of the peace. Every penny of the money he earned from performing weddings he donated to Newman's charity. So, a couple of years ago, the guy gets invited to lunch or dinner by Newman. I don't know if he every made it because he would come to the service station where I worked part-time once a week to pick up the unsold newspapers. I didn't see him for about six weeks because he had a heart attack. When he came back later he mentioned the dinner, but in a couple months disappeared again. He was an older gentleman with health issues, but I hope he got his dinner with the real blue eyes. He was just an ordinary guy who gave thousands away to Newman's charity, and Newman wanted to honor him. That is class.

A man's man. He knew how to walk the walk, how to do what needed to be done. The Church of Chang shall miss his presence in the earthly realm, but now Newman's spirit shall grace the pantheon of other manly deceased gods of legend

I and anyone else who reads that will laugh at everything you post from here on in. If you're not just pathetically "having a lend".
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And if it IS true, why the fuck would you tell that story in this particular thread (instead of keeping it your own personal embarrassment)???
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Although to be fair you might have just been young and stupid then. I can understand that...

In an age when words like "great" and "genius" and "extraordinary" are tossed around like old leaves, Paul Newman was one of the acting greats to whom those terms actually applied. I have rarely, if ever, seen Newman give a bad performance, even in a corny disaster flick "The Towering Inferno", and I urge anyone who has never seen a Paul Newman movie (!) to get a hold of some his classics like "Cool Hand Luke", "HUD", "The Hustler", "The Sting" right away. I happen to agree the he gave his finest performance in "The Verdict", but he had so many good roles that there is a lot to choose from. In addition to being one of our finest actors, Paul Newman just appeared to be a real decent human being, from his support for civil rights in the 60s to his charitable work which continued throughout his life. A True Giant - A True Loss.

I was serious about the 50 eggs. I ate 18 and had to stop. The rest became equal portions of egg salad and German potato salad.<p>
Paul Newman was as liberal as the day is long. The reason I really REALLY repsected him above all others, despite my total disagreement with all his political views, is that he simply said, "hey this is what I think" and then he just let people make their own choices. He didn't use his fame to ramrod his politics into your face. He didn't try to preach his gospel to the conservative 'heathens' - he simply had his opinions, and he lived them.<p>
take a HUGE lesson, Harry.

My sympathies go to all Paul Newman's family and friends. I hope they can find some comfort in the tributes being paid to him as an actor, director and humanitarian and in the lives he changed with his charity work.
RIP Paul, you won't be forgotten.

I was extremely young and pretty stupid. It was over 20 years ago, and I think we're allowed some youthful indiscretions in life--I'm not embarrassed by the story at all. In fact, it's become my best "wtf???" line when swapping celebrity stories in social circles. We were in NYC with our high school drama club, and when my friend and I saw him on the street we walked up to try to get his autograph. He just kept walking, so we just followed him into the building. He was pissed. The best part was that when we got back to our group, they were all excited because they had just seen Nipsey Russell on the street. My friend and I just casually said, "We just saw Paul Newman." It was a classic moment. As to why I share it in this thread, I honestly meant it when I said I wish I could've apologized to him. I always imagined meeting him again and saying, "Mr. Newman, back in the 80s two obnoxious kids annoyed the crap out of you in New York City. I was one of them, and I'm really sorry for being a douchebag."

...with the added saving grace of not being a total prick to everyone he met. Never could understand why anyone could have eyes for the frosty dysfunctional McQueen or the bland surfer boy Redford while Newman walked the earth. Newman was Lancaster good, Mitchum good, Lee Marvin good.

...but even as a bonafide movie addict, I've seen very few Newman films. I enjoy "Butch Cassidy" but I adore "The Sting." Newman and Redford in their heyday, how can you go wrong? You also never heard any negative stories about him, which is a rarity in Hollywood. A man who preferred to talk about helping others and racing than about his career or celebrity. You will be terribly missed.

I had the pleasure and honor of working with Paul Newman on the HBO movie "Empire Falls". I played Brian the hungover busboy (Buster was his name in the book).
I remember one of the first days on the set I saw Mr. Newman going to his dressing room trailer. I approached him and thanked him for casting me in the part. (He was a producer of the movie as well.) He looked at me up and down. I was in heavy makeup that made me looke very unhygenic and unkempt like the character was in the book. As he was looking at me and I was noticing his Max Roby makeup. His was just like in the book. Food in the beard & all. We both looked like two homeless people. Anyway as he was looking at me, he smile as if he realized who I was playing. He pointed at my fake infected face and said "Ahhh! The drunk busboy!" I smiled and felt like I had a kindred brother that was the only one on the set the understood what it was like to be made up repulsive. He said welcome and patted me on the back and said he had to run.
Though I didn't get to be "pals"
with him like I did with Ed Harris & Aidan Quinn, I did get to work with him for 10 hrs. Though you cant really tell by the final cut of the movie, I got to give Paul his cue to enter the scene. After my character is fired, I say
something to Ed Harris then I start to leave then Mr. Newman enters the room. That little bit took like 3-4 hrs to film from all the camera angles and various takes. That whole time I kept thinking as I am giving my line then leaving while Newman is watching me waiting to enter "I am at the peak of my acting career. I am giving 2 time Oscar Winner Paul Newman his cue line!" That memory will be etched in my mind foever.
I think during the whole time he said only 3 things to me. One of them was in response to me carrying my busboy bin for hours during filming. It was really heavy and my hands hurt so bad from being locked holding it for
hours. He came up to me and said "Aren't you sick & tired of carrying around that God Damn thing all day!" I responded "Now that you mention it, Yes!" While I said this Ed Harris noticed and got pissed and yelled at one of the prop guys to place the prop for me and not let me have to do it. Paul Newman was pointing me and my bin out to the prop guy. The poor prop guy was obviously very nervous and was pretty much at my side the rest of the day of filming very apologetic. Once we stopped a shot the prop guy was
right there to take my tray for me. After Ed Harris got done yelling at the prop guy, Paul Newman walked by me and smile and winked at me then returned to his mark. That is when I realized "My God! His eyes really are blue!" Un-naturally blue in fact. I could see why women loved them.
Both He & Ed Harris were intense and always in the Zone when on the set. It was amazing watching them work. They were both in character constantly even while the cameras werent rolling.
As the dailys were coming in during filming, I would watch them with some of them with Ed Harris and the other actors as well as Director Fred Schepisi. Everytime Paul Newman was on the screen playing Max Roby, we would all comment how we was going to clean up come awards time. We were right! I think his performance in the movie is one of his best. Right up there with HUD, Cool Hand Luke, Butch Cassidy.
I remember every morning coming on to the set he would be there with Ed Harris, Aidan Quinn, Jeffery DeMunn, Dennis Farina. They would all be talking about the Red Sox VS Yankees series the was in full mode at the time. He was just one of the guys. Me being the only non famous guy there would hardly say anything because I was so afraid of saying the wrong thing. He was just one of the guys and for a few weeks I am so proud to say a co-worker.
There was a break in filming and we were both at the craft services table getting some snacks. Of course most of the food there was "Newman's Own" products. I remember looking at him pour salad dressing and wondering what it was like to go to a table and your face is on most of the labels on the table! Ha ha ha!
I still regret to this day not getting his autograph but I was lucky enough to get my picture taken with him as he was on his way to FLorida to race cars. He was 78 yrs old and the guy still raced! God what a guy!
He was a nice guy no doubt. After filming had wrapped He even had his Newman's Own company send me a tshirt that had 20 cast members listed and I was one of them. That blew me away too.
He was truly one of the last of the "Old School" movie stars but more importantly he was a great actor.
He will be sadly missed!
My 2 cents!
Tim Ryan

The man was an American treasure. We were blessed to have had him for the time we did. My heartfelt prayers to his family and friends at this time. 50 years of marriage to the same woman, 250 million dollars to charity, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camps for sick children, racecar driver, director and – oh yeah; actor. It’s hard to consider what American cinema would have looked like without him. Heaven’s got a new leading man.

To the very end of his acting career, as powerful but conflicted John Rooney in "Road to Perdition," a wonderfully iconic role, Newman was class and talent all the way.<p>
On a far lesser note, I've loved Newman's "Italian con Limone" salad dressing for years. I'm glad its tastiness supports green causes, but mostly I just like the taste. Chalk one up to the man.<p>
Thanks for a great acting career, Paul. You'll be missed.

The Only Thing I Remember From NOBODY'S FOOL is that HOT naked chick from the strip poker game. One of my favs is THE MACKINTOSH MAN (1973). When he burned that manor house down, I was hooked. As a boy I had trouble when the great actor PAUL NEWMAN played a semi-jerk character. His movies HUD, COOL HAND LUKE, THE VERDICT etc, are prime examples. Only with some maturity did I come to appreciate a flawed character. And no one played it better than MR PAUL NEWMAN. He would have made a great flawed QUINT in JAWS. Be seein' ya in your 50 plus movies PAUL LEONARD NEWMAN.

I think this was the last "performance" I ever saw from Newman, or at least the last time I saw him appear on TV or film. Shilling for something was not his strong suit I guess... It almost looks like they shot it in Newman's basement. http://tinyurl.com/4hvhrp